Seguin Paddling Trail (Lake Nolte/Meadow Lake)

femalekayaker

With two different access points, this paddling trail on the Guadalupe River offers paddlers a variety of opportunities to create their own trip from 2.6 miles up to 8.4 miles in length. This trail is perfect for beginners since no shuttle is needed.

Trail Access

Max Starcke Park Natural Fishing Area

Type:
Access Point
GPS Coordinates:
29.5592, -97.9609

From IH-10 to Max Starcke Park East (Natural Fishing Area)
Exit Austin St./123 Business.  Go South through downtown until you get to Max Starcke Park.  Go under the Guadalupe River Bridge and turn right into Park between Playscape and Little League Complex. Follow park road to back of park along side walking trail and site is by natural fishing area.

River Shade RV Park Boat Ramp

Type:
Access Point
GPS Coordinates:
29.5465, -97.9502

From IH-10 to River Shade RV Park Boat Ramp
Exit 123 Bypass.  Go south towards Stockdale.  Before you get to the Guadalupe River Bridge, River Shade RV is located on left hand side of 123 Bypass (Look for River Shade RV Sign). Once in the park, follow signs to the boat ramp to unload equipment and then follow signs to the designated parking area.

On March 27, 2023, the Guadalupe Blanco River Authority (GBRA) began the process of lowering the spillgates at Lake McQueeney and Meadow Lake. As a result, the Lake Nolte/Meadow Lake Paddling Trail in Max Starcke Park East is closed to the public until further notice. The paddling trail in Max Starcke Park West near the bowl waterfall will remain open on Lake Seguin. This paddling trail is not affected by the drawdown because it is located upstream. GBRA has stated "In the interest of safety, all activity on and downstream of the Guadalupe Valley Lakes and in the exposed lake bed shall be suspended until the process is complete, as unpredictable increases in river flow may occur. Community members should stay out of the water and continue to maintain a safe distance from the dam at all times."

paddlers5

Trail Length: 2.6 – 8.4 miles (depending on route taken)

Paddling Route Options and Distances:

  • 2.6 miles - Max Starcke Park East (Natural Fishing Area) to River Shade RV Park (one way)
  • 3.2 miles - River Shade RV Park to Nolte Dam and back (no one way option for this segment)
  • 5.8 miles - Max Starcke Park East (Natural Fishing Area) to Nolte Dam and then back to River Shade RV Park (partial round trip)
  • 8.4 miles - Max Starcke Park East (Natural Fishing Area) to Nolte Dam and back (round trip)

Float Times: ~1-6 hours (depending on water level, flow rate and wind speed)

Trail Description

This paddling trail was designed for beginning or novice paddlers, with no shuttle or portage necessary.

Because the river is dammed at Saffold Dam in Starcke Park and Nolte Dam, the river has a slow current and can be easily paddled in either direction and from either access site for the trip length of your choice, from 2.6 – 8.4 miles depending on the route taken.  Heavy rains upstream or in the vicinity can create dangerous flooding, and paddlers are advised to not use the trail during these times, as well as to stay away from the dams.  Flow information is available to paddlers on the web at:  www.gbra.org/Public/FlowData.aspx.

Trail Map

SLIGHT TRAIL CHANGE

The map for this trail is being updated to reflect recent changes that move the Max Starcke Park East access site location toward the eastern edge of the park. To see a more detailed map of this park and the new access site, please visit Seguin Parks and Recreation. Note: Court order requires life jackets along this trail.

seguin_guadmap

Things to Do and See

Fishing

NorthernCardinal

The Guadalupe River along Starcke Park provides excellent fishing opportunities, and supports several species of catfish, sunfish, and largemouth and Guadalupe bass.  Small lures such as jigs, plastic worms, and light line are recommended.

Wildlife and Ecology

The Guadalupe River in the vicinity of Starcke Park up to State Highway 46 is a slow moving river with scenic vegetation and great birdwatching and angling opportunities.  Paddlers can enjoy the shade of pecans, green ash, sycamores, and the majestic bald cypress trees that support a variety of songbirds, hawks, squirrels, raccoons, and other wildlife. 

Rentals and Shuttles

canoers

TG Canoes & Kayaks

402 Pecan Park Drive
San Marcos, Texas 78666
(512)353-3946
Canoe and kayak rental available (your vehicle would transport to trail). No shuttles for small groups or individuals. Large groups can call ahead to make reservations for canoe/kayak delivery to trail.

Paddle With Style

Martindale, Texas
Phone: (512)749-2350; Operate by reservation only. Able to accommodate large groups.
www.paddlewithstyle.com

Partnership

This trail was made possible through a partnership between Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the City of Seguin and the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.